Answer the following:
- Define persuasion, manipulation, and coercion. Your definitions should clearly distinguish the terms from one another. What two key elements make persuasion more ethical than manipulation and coercion? Using specific examples from your experience, illustrate each of these three types of communication.
- Discuss the concept of credibility. What is it? Why is it especially important in persuasive speeches? How can you establish credibility in the eyes of your audience? What behaviors should you avoid because they might detract from your credibility?
- Define “credibility” and explain why it’s important for a speaker to have credibility with the audience. Then select a specific topic and a specific audience. Explain how you would establish your own credibility as a speaker if you were presenting a speech about that topic to that audience.
- “Credibility exists in the mind of the audience, so there is nothing a speaker can do to change an audience’s perception of her credibility.” Agree or disagree with this statement. In your answer, refer to key elements that contribute to the credibility of a speaker.
- Draw a diagram to illustrate social judgment theory. Include and explain the following terms: anchor, latitude of acceptance, latitude of rejection, latitude of non-commitment. How can knowledge of social judgment theory benefit you as a persuasive speaker?
